Hilos Waiakea Uka Park is sporting a more modern look following this weeks dedication of a new playground. The modular playground features multiple slides, climbing rings, covered decks and a grass-like safety surface. Three benches, safety fencing and drainage improvements are also part of the $225,000 project built by IPR Inc. and Loeffler Construction.

Replacement playgrounds also are being installed at Kailua Park in Kona and Hilos Gilbert Carvalho Park. When completed in the coming months, those projects will boost the County of Hawaiis investment in keiki playgrounds to more than $3 million in less than six years.